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OPN March 2005

Australia is renowned for its abundant sunlight, which enhances the vibrant colors of the continent. In the scientific realm, Australia is also well known for its outstanding contributions to the study and application of light in science... more>>

Features

By now, everyone is familiar with the products of the first two generations of commercially successful optical data storage: compact discs for audio and software distribution and digital versatile discs for video. This article reviews these optical disc technologies and looks ahead to successive generations, which will exhibit finer resolution, higher data rate and increased capacity. more>>

By retaining only the most essential packet-switching functions in the optical domain, a single Fabry Perot Laser Diode can function as an all-optical on/off switch with all-optical header processing, and an all-optical add/drop node can be used to construct an all-optical ring network. more>>

Achieving good thermal stability performance with optical mounts is critical to ensuring the overall stability of a setup, experiment or instrument. Manufacturers are making it easier to understand how mounts will perform under various conditions, but a knowledge of mount design is still essential. more>>

Scatterings

Pulses

An annual race held at regional sites throughout the United States gives middle school students the opportunity to show their engineering and design skills by building and racing model solar-powered vehicles. more>>

The U.S. Transportation Department’s first significant action of 2005 was requiring trains to display reflective materials to make locomotives and rail cars more visible. It’s a timely example of the important part that optical science is playing in efforts to improve America’s transportation system. more>>